From sketch to story: my creative process in children’s animal illustrations
I’ve always loved painting. It started as a way to figure out the world and my feelings. My love for animal illustrations really kicked off with my three nieces. Ava, Babette and Hannah. I painted little worlds for them: hippos, lobsters, snails, turtles, and tiny creature sidekicks, each with their own quirks and weird hobbies.
Focusing on animals became natural. Capturing their mischief and unique personalities hooked me completely. Today, I also create digital illustrations, but my process remains the same: blank canvas, spark of inspiration, follow the flow.
Painting has literally saved me. When life felt empty or heavy, painting became my way to process it. What started as therapy slowly turned into a practice of channeling love into art. Now, through my illustrations, I share that love with others.
One of the best parts of creating is when inspiration hits. From nowhere, or from deep realizations. The moment I stop autopilot and pay attention, be aware, paddling downstream. There’s that moment of magic. Time disappears, I am one with my characters and the illustration feels like it’s painting itself.
From blank canvas to tiny adventures
Sitting in front of a blank canvas. What story wants to be told? Sometimes nothing, sometimes the spark hits and I start sketching. Animals begin to reveal themselves. Ridiculous sketches. Lines wobble, tails go rogue, paws end up in weird places. Just following the characters, their connections and weird costumes.
A fun part is that my life is turning into one big animal story. The more I notice, the more I catch myself laughing at serious daily moments, turning people into creatures… or creatures into people.
Storytelling in every line
A sketch isn’t just a sketch. A bird on a branch might be scheming, a rabbit in the grass plotting a tiny adventure. Every ear tilt, paw twitch, or sideways glance tells a story. Kids spot details adults often miss, and those tiny things bring the illustrations alive. I love it even more when grown-ups notice too.
Painting: controlled chaos
Then comes painting. Colors aren’t just colors—they set the mood. Bright ones bring energy, soft ones calm. Texture adds depth: the fluff of a bunny, the sly side-eye of a hedgehog.
Sometimes painting goes sideways. Colors clash, lines wobble, a squirrel looks like a cat. That’s fine. Often the “oops” moments are the best—they give personality I didn’t plan for.
Curiosity into chaos. Chaos into laughter.
Digital illustration: More toys, same rules
The playground just got bigger and more fun with digital tools. I can mix textures, test colors, and experiment without fear of ruining hours of work. It’s fun, freeing, but the rules are the same: blank canvas, spark, sketch, story, paint, repeat. Sharing online
The playground just got bigger and way more fun with digital tools
Digital tools open up a whole new playground. I can mix textures, try colors instantly, experiment without fear of ruining hours of work. But the rules are the same: blank canvas, spark, sketch, story, paint, repeat. Sharing online allows me to reach (inner)children, parents, and fellow artists worldwide.
Illustrating teaches patience, observation and humor. Sometimes I laugh mid-sketch: “Yep, that’s exactly how a lobster would float on a flamingo float.” Sharing the process shows the messy parts, the surprises, and the tiny sparks that make each illustration special.
Studio Avabeth exists to bring these stories to life. From first spark to final brushstroke, my goal is to create illustrations that carry love, laughter, and tiny adventures. Painting for Hanna, Ava, and Babette taught me how small ideas can turn into big magic. Now, through Studio Avabeth, I share that magic with the world—one cheeky, mischievous animal at a time.
It’s not perfection - it’s life, it’s joy, and for anyone tuned in, it’s a little spark of that unseen flow we’re all part of.
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